Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Joshua Harris, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, to discuss bilateral relations, political developments, and government formation efforts at both federal and regional levels.
According to a KRG statement, both sides emphasized strengthening cooperation within the framework of the US KRG strategic partnership. They reviewed the overall political situation in Iraq and stressed the importance of forming a strong federal government. Such a government, they agreed, must respect the constitution and the federal system. Moreover, it must protect the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region and serve all citizens without discrimination.
The meeting also focused on forming a comprehensive and effective new KRG cabinet. Prime Minister Barzani underscored the need to advance institutional reforms and modernize governance structures. In response, the U.S. Embassy congratulated him on recent reform initiatives across multiple sectors. These reforms, officials noted, reinforce the foundations of the US KRG strategic partnership.
Previously, President Masoud Barzani met Harris in Erbil’s Pirmam district for separate high-level talks. During that meeting, the U.S. diplomat reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Kurdistan Region within a federal Iraq. He also praised President Barzani’s influential role in Iraq’s political process since 2003, describing it as significant to the country’s long-term stability.
President Barzani reiterated that Kurdish leadership continues to advocate for adherence to the constitution and the rule of law. He emphasized that partnership, balance, and consensus must guide relations between Erbil and Baghdad. Furthermore, he called for full constitutional implementation, including resolving budgetary and administrative disputes.
The discussions also addressed developments in Syria and internal political dynamics in the Kurdistan Region. These broader regional issues continue to shape the US KRG strategic partnership and ongoing dialogue between Erbil and Washington.
Since 2003, relations between the United States and the Kurdistan Region have evolved into a longstanding alliance built on security cooperation, political coordination, and shared interests in regional stability.